Gospel According to Vic

Film Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

How do individuals respond to miracles in this modern age? That interesting subject is explored in the inventive touching, and parabolic Scottish film Gospel According to Vic. Tom Conti plays Vic, a teacher at the Blessed Edith Semple School in Glasgow. While his coworkers are busy trying to authenticate two more miracles that will qualify the school's deceased namesake as a saint, he is diligently working wonders with slow learners.

After he miraculously survives a 40-foot fall from a building, Vic's life is turned inside out. The press treats him like a celebrity and attribute the amazing progress of several kids in his class to holy intervention. At one point, even Vic begins to wonder if God has chosen him for special things.

Writer/director Charles Gormley, a long-time associate of acclaimed filmmaker Bill Forsyth, demonstrates an uncanny appreciation for the idiosyncrasies of his characters. He draws out top-drawer performances from Tom Conti and from Helen Mirren as Ruth, the school's music teacher whose down-to-earth realism is just what Vic needs to keep him from taking himself too seriously. Gospel According to Vic ends enchantingly with two moments of grace  one involving the love embrace of Vic and Ruth and one involving a boy who has a surprise encounter with the best-known member of the Royal Family.